Schools, Institutions, and Companies Showcase Educational and Professional Opportunities at Portimão Arena
Start Work VII – March 20 & 21
On March 20 and 21, Portimão Arena will host the seventh edition of Start Work – Education, Vocational Training, Entrepreneurship, and Employment Fair, aimed at adults and young people aged 13 and above.
Launched by the Municipality of Portimão in 2016, this initiative was temporarily interrupted due to the pandemic. Its main goal is to promote and showcase job opportunities, professional internships, investment support programs, vocational training, secondary education (both regular and vocational), and higher education.
The two-day event, which opens at 10:00 AM on March 20, will feature promotional initiatives for courses offered by participating educational institutions, workshops, thematic demonstrations, and short informational sessions led by various companies.
A Diverse and Engaging Program
The program will highlight educational opportunities and career development topics, including:
- Job Search Techniques
- Internships and career prospects
- Emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence
- The role of parents in decision-making
- Pathways to higher education
Three Dozen Exhibitors
Start Work continues to prioritize the representation of a wide range of public and private educational institutions, both polytechnic and university-level, from the region. Around 30 exhibitors are confirmed, including:
- The five School Groups of Portimão
- University of Algarve
- Portimão School of Hospitality and Tourism
- Manuel Teixeira Gomes Higher Institute
- Portimão Fire Department & Municipal Civil Protection Service
- DUAL Professional Qualification Center – Portimão
- Gil Eanes Professional School – Portimão
- Jean Piaget School of Health – Algarve
- The Portuguese Army, GNR, and PSP
- Dozens of companies from various sectors
Secondary Schools with Four Specialized Technology Centers (CTEs)
As part of the Portugal 2030 Strategy, which focuses on high-quality infrastructure and equipment, two local secondary schools have received funding approval to establish Specialized Technology Centers (CTEs):
- Manuel Teixeira Gomes Secondary School: Approved for a Computer Science CTE with a budget of over €1 million.
- Poeta António Aleixo Secondary School: Approved for three CTEs in Industrial, Computer Science, and Renewable Energy fields, with a total budget of €3.6 million.
The CTEs aim to modernize schools to offer vocational education, enhance business competitiveness, create highly skilled jobs, and drive national economic development through advanced qualifications and expertise.
Free Entry & Entertainment Program
Start Work VII is free to enter and will run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, featuring a lively entertainment program, including:
🎵 Music
🤸♀️ Rhythmic gymnastics
💃 Dance performances
🎨 Face painting
🎈 Balloon modeling
… and more exciting activities!
Organizers & More Information
The event is jointly organized by the Portimão City Council, the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), and the Directorate-General for Schools – Algarve Regional Services.
For the full program, visit www.vivaportimao.pt soon!
